Dr John Sentamuhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/taxonomy/term/1199/all
enDemographic complexity no excuse to deny the reality of inequalityhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21328
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<p>Commenting on a recent exchange between an inner city clergyman and a former deputy prime minister about economic divisions in Britain, Simon Barrow, co-director of the beliefs and values think-tank Ekklesia, said: </p>
<p>"The Rev Paul Nicolson is surely right to challenge Lord Heseltine and other politicians and media commentators on their easy dismissals of concern expressed by the Anglican archbishops about the unacceptable extent of poverty and inequality in austerity Britain.</p>
<p>"Both the facts and lived experience, including the alarming rise of foodbanks in one of the richest societies on earth, backs their claim.</p>
<p>"Of course the demographics and economics of regional and national inequality are complex, but this should not be used as an excuse to avoid the challenge of poverty and the massive gaps in income and wealth to which the archbishops, along with charities, other churches, academics and others are pointing.</p>
<p>"The need to address inequality and the suffering caused by policies that make life increasingly difficult for the poor, the vulnerable, the disabled and sick people in Britain should be at the top of the agenda for all parties and candidates in the forthcoming General Election."</p>
<p><em>See:</em> Heseltine challenged on criticism of Archbishops' inequality claims: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21327" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21327">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21327</a></p>
<p><strong>* 'Combatting the denial of poverty and inequality' - Ekklesia, January 2015: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21318" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21318">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21318</a> </strong></p>
<p>* Archbishops robustly challenge government on income inequality: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305</a></p>
<p>* More on General Election issues from Ekklesia: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015</a></p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Community and FamilyEconomy and PoliticsPeople and PowerNews Briefarchbishop of yorkDr John Sentamugeneral election 2015inequalityjohn sentamujustin welbyMedia Centrepovertytaxpayers against povertywealth and povertyMon, 19 Jan 2015 09:13:28 +0000Press Office21328 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukHeseltine challenged on criticism of Archbishops' inequality claimshttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21327
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<p>The Rev Paul Nicolson says Lord Heseltine is incorrect to call Archbishops' statements about UK poverty and inequality "factually wrong" and "out of touch".</p>
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<p>A clergyman who has been a tireless grassroots anti-poverty campaigner has written to challenge Lord Heseltine over his claims that recent statements about poverty and inequality in the UK are "factually wrong" and "out of touch". </p>
<p>In an open letter circulated by Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP), and republished as part of a paper published by the beliefs and values think-tank Ekklesia, Mr Nicolson highlights the government's benefit freeze, the facts of income inequality, the impact of welfare changes, the burden of the non-progressive council tax, and hunger as among the clear indicators that poverty is a serious issue in an increasingly divided society.</p>
<p>The letter is a personal appeal, in that Mr Nicolson used to be a member of the Bow Group with Lord Heseltine – a former deputy prime minister under Conservative PM John Major, and holder of a range of cabinet positions under Margaret Thatcher. </p>
<p>Mr Nicolson, who has been in court for withholding council tax in protest against the penalisation of economically deprived people in inner London, says that comments about the unacceptability of levels of poverty and inequality by Anglican Archbishops Justin Welby and John Sentamu, made in relation to a new collection of essays entitled <em>On Rock or Sand? Firm foundations for Britain's future</em>, are "right as far as they go, but have soft-pedalled the plight of the unemployed."</p>
<p>"The giant that must be slayed is income inequality – where some few have far too much and the many have too little,” Archbishop of York John Sentamu said last week, in introducing the book. </p>
<p>What angered Lord Heseltine, who in the Thatcher government argued for more support for Liverpool, in particular, is the assertion by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby that the regions are declining in relation to London, and that "there are now fewer readily available government resources able to support economic development in these regions."</p>
<p>"I think it's simply out of touch”, said Lord Heseltine of claims in the book edited by Archbishop Sentamu. "“I have spent some 30 or 40 years dealing with leaders in local authorities and the transformation, and they acknowledge this, is extraordinary”, he said.</p>
<p>However, in its paper <em>Combatting the denial of poverty and inequality</em>, published this weekend, the think-tank Ekklesia points to the analysis of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) as showing the devastating impact on local services of government cuts to local authority funding, and to the data-based research of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Equality Trust on what the latter calls "excessive levels of inequality" in the UK. </p>
<p>The Equality trust, in its 2014 report published <em>A Divided Britain – Inequality Within and Between the Regions</em>, notes that "we should not trivialise just how unbalanced the UK is towards London and the South East. But it must also be noted that the most significant and troubling inequality is ... between those at the top and the rest of us."</p>
<p>The point is reinforced by the charity Oxfam today (19 January 2015), which says that the combined wealth of the richest one per cent will overtake that of the other 99 per cent of people globally in 2016, unless the current trend of rising inequality is checked. (<a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21323" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21323">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21323</a>)</p>
<p>Simon Barrow, co-director of Ekklesia, said: "The Rev Paul Nicolson is surely right to challenge Lord Heseltine and other politicians and media commentators on their easy dismissals of concern expressed by the Anglican archbishops about the unacceptable extent of poverty and inequality in austerity Britain.</p>
<p>"Both the facts and lived experience, including the alarming rise of foodbanks in one of the richest societies on earth, backs their claim.</p>
<p>"Of course the demographics and economics of regional and national inequality are complex, but this should not be used as an excuse to avoid the challenge of poverty and the massive gaps in income and wealth to which the archbishops, along with charities, other churches, academics and others are pointing.</p>
<p>"The need to address inequality and the suffering caused by policies that make life increasingly difficult for the poor, the vulnerable, the disabled and sick people in Britain should be at the top of the agenda for all parties and candidates in the forthcoming General Election."</p>
<p>The concern about poverty and inequality expressed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York follows on from similar views expressed by senior Catholic leaders, the Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed Churches, the Church of Scotland, groups like Church Action on Poverty and grassroots initiatives such as End Hunger Fast <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/2132" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/2132">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/2132</a> in addition to anti-poverty NGOs and charities. </p>
<p><em>On Rock or Sand?</em> is to be launched officially at a London event on Tuesday 20 January 2015.</p>
<p>Sir Philip Mawer (Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards from 2002 until 2008 and former secretary general of the Church of England's General Synod) will chair a panel for the Question and Answer session to follow. Both Archbishops and all contributors will be present.</p>
<p><strong>* 'Combatting the denial of poverty and inequality' - Ekklesia, January 2015: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21318" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21318">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21318</a> </strong></p>
<p>* Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP): <a href="http://www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk" title="http://www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk">http://www.taxpayersagainstpoverty.org.uk</a></p>
<p>* Archbishops robustly challenge government on income inequality: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305</a></p>
<p>* Research reveals huge impact of cuts on local authority services: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21313" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21313">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21313</a></p>
<p>* Richest 1% will own more than all the rest by 2016, claims Oxfam: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21323" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21323">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21323</a></p>
<p>* <em>On Rock or Sand? Firm foundations for Britain's future</em>, edited by John Sentamu (SPCK, January 2015) ISBN 978 0281 07174 6. Price: £9.99</p>
<p>* More on General Election issues from Ekklesia: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015</a> </p>
<p>[Ekk/3]</p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Community and FamilyEconomy and PoliticsPeople and PowerNews Briefarchbishop of yorkDr John Sentamugeneral election 2015inequalityjohn sentamujustin welbypovertytaxpayers against povertyUK Newswealth and povertyMon, 19 Jan 2015 08:58:42 +0000staff writers21327 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukCombatting the denial of poverty and inequalityhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21318
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<div class="field-item"><p>The Rev Paul Nicolson from Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP), has written to Lord Heseltine, following his criticism of recent statements from the Anglican Archbishops of York and Canterbury about the reality of poverty and inequality across the English regions and in the UK as a whole. We reproduce here the open letter to Lord Heseltine about the reality of divided Britain, and follow that with a detailed briefing on some of the issues raised by publicity round the book, <em>On Rock or Sand?</em>, together with commentary on who is saying what in the debate, relevant research, resources, and practical values for an alternative approach.</p>
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<div class="field-item"><a href="/user/3" title="View user profile.">Simon Barrow</a></div>
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Economy and PoliticsEducation and CulturePeople and PowerReligion and SocietyNews BriefarchbishopDr John Sentamuinequalityjohn sentamujustin welbyResearchtaxpayers against povertywealth and povertySun, 18 Jan 2015 02:56:11 +0000Simon Barrow21318 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukOn Rock or Sand? A political challenge to (and from) the establishmenthttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21306
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<p>Making an initial response to comments around the new book by the Archbishop of York on behalf of the Christian political think-tank Ekklesia, co-director Simon Barrow welcomed the debate it is generating. He added: </p>
<p>"The significance of this important intervention from Dr Sentamu and his co-authors -- which criticises inequality, poverty wages, and other aspects of dominant economic policies which effectively bail out the wealthy while imperilling millions of ordinary people -- is that the message comes from contributors who can hardly be labelled radicals, but who are in fact establishment figures.</p>
<p>"This shows the true depth of disquiet within the country about the austerity agenda, and makes government attempts swiftly to dismiss <em>On Rock or Sand?</em> 's moral and religious critique of present politics look rather desperate.</p>
<p>"It is encouraging to see increasing engagement with economic issues within the churches. </p>
<p>"Also worth reading, for example, is the World Council of Churches' latest document on an alternative 'economy of life' -- one focussed on sustaining and meeting the needs of communities faced with unprecedented global financial and economic crises, the threat of climate change and widespread ecological devastation."</p>
<p>* <em>On Rock or Sand? Firm foundations for Britain's future</em>, edited by Dr John Sentamu, is to be launched officially on Tuesday 20 January 2015. More here: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305</a></p>
<p>16 January 2015</p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Economy and PoliticsPeople and PowerReligion and Societyarchbishop of canterburyarchbishop of yorkCommentsDr John Sentamufaith in the citygeneral electiongeneral election 2015inequalityjohn sentamujustin welbyMedia CentreFri, 16 Jan 2015 04:35:26 +0000Press Office21306 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukArchbishops robustly challenge government on income inequalityhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21305
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<p>A new book edited by the Archbishop of York robustly challenges the assumptions of government and society built on self-interest rather than solidarity.</p>
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<p>A new book edited by the Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, provides a substantial and robust challenge to the assumptions of the current UK government and to a society built on self-interest rather than social solidarity.</p>
<p><em>On Rock or Sand? Firm foundations for Britain's future</em> has been published this week by SPCK, and it is already causing a media and political storm following Dr Sentamu's remarks to the conservative-leaning Telegraph newspaper.</p>
<p>The book contains contributions from established figures in economic, political, social and religious disciplines, including Lord Adonis, Sir Philip Mawer, Oliver O Donovan, Andrew Sentance and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. </p>
<p>Dr John Sentamu said: “The book addresses crucial questions about the moral principles that undergird the way Britain is governed. It is about building firm foundations for Britain’s future and setting out the essential values we need to build a just, sustainable and compassionate society in which we can all participate and flourish. </p>
<p>"We need to rediscover the true meaning of the word economy – it means a household, a community whose members share responsibility for each other. [It is wrong that] some few have far too much and the many have too little.” </p>
<p>In the koine Greek of the New Testament the word for economy is <em>oikonomia</em>, derived from <em>oikos</em> meaning household. </p>
<p>Archbishop Sentamu has addressed the concerns of the new book in a short video made available on YouTube, in which he says that an unequal society has left many "hard-pressed working families on poverty wages". </p>
<p>“It would be quite a pity if the powerful, the richest, are the ones that are thriving in our household and some are left behind and therefore one of the greatest challenges that faces our nation has to do with income inequality … The giant that must be slayed is income inequality – where some few have far too much and the many have too little,” he says.</p>
<p>He stresses that he and his co-authors are making an intervention in politics as the question of power and governance in the whole of society, not in party politics. “Like the Old Testament prophets, I suggest, it is essential for religion to speak truth to power”, he writes. </p>
<p>For that reason, the Archbishop of York, together with his senior colleague at Canterbury, who has a business background, does not pull any punches. </p>
<p>Echoing elements of the 1985 <em>Faith in the City</em> report, which drew ire from Margaret Thatcher's administration, they argue that society today is too dominated by “rampant consumerism and individualism”.</p>
<p>As for the main parties, they "rush to outdo each other in enticing and beguiling the swing vote of Middle England not with a vision of justice but with appeals to individual preference, interest and consumer choice,” Dr Sentamu told the Telegraph newspaper.</p>
<p>Dr Sentamu continued: “If it is the survival of the fittest, that’s what I call living in the jungle and I don’t want to live in the jungle – this is supposed to be a civilised society. It is nothing to do with being socialist or whatever. What it has got to do with is, is this how God created us? Has [God] created us to be people who go to Black Friday to fight with each other because they want the biggest bargain? No, that’s the rule of the jungle, we left that behind.”</p>
<p>The book, whose contributors include a peer and a former member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, say that the welfare state, partly generated out of the thought of people like Archbishop William Temple, can be seen as an embodiment of the Christian command to “love your neighbour”.</p>
<p>“Britain achieved a National Health Service which became a model for Europe and the rest of the world,” writes the Archbishop of York. “Moreover, the United Kingdom in the welfare state has provided income and support to those who are sick, unemployed or incapacitated in many other ways.</p>
<p>“And we have developed an educational system to provide a free and full education for all primary and secondary school pupils. Have we lost this vision? For me, and I’m sure for many others, a major concern is the extent to which the social compact which the welfare state represented is now under threat.”</p>
<p>Challenged about political bias in his interview with the Telegraph, Dr Sentamu responded unabashedly: "That sounds extremely leftwing doesn’t it? The truth is it is the <em>theology</em> of where I am coming from. If God has created us unique, [and] all of us have got [God's] image and likeness, is it ever right that I should have more when somebody else has nothing?”</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Archbishop Justin Welby, a former business executive, says that “entire towns and regions” have been excluded and “trapped in an apparently inescapable economic downward spiral”.</p>
<p>“Our economy appears to be, in one sense, a tale of two cities – one being a growing and constantly improving London (and the south-east generally), and the other being most, but not all, other cities, alike in that they are each trapped in apparently inevitable decline”, he declares, adding that public spending cuts have helped widen that gap.</p>
<p>“The hard truth is that many of these cities are in what appear to be lose-lose situations. Already in decline, the road towards recovery and growth is made even more difficult. There are now fewer readily available government resources able to support economic development in these regions; and also, since the 1980s, the banking system has become more and more London concentrated and consequently out of touch with local needs.”</p>
<p>Making an initial response to comments around the new book on behalf of the Christian political think-tank Ekklesia, co-director Simon Barrow welcomed the debate it is generating.</p>
<p>"The significance of this important intervention from Dr Sentamu and his co-authors – which criticises inequality, poverty wages, and other aspects of dominant economic policies which effectively bail out the wealthy while imperilling millions of ordinary people – is that the message comes from contributors who can hardly be labelled radicals, but who are in fact establishment figures", he said.</p>
<p>"This shows the true depth of disquiet within the country about the austerity agenda, and makes government attempts swiftly to dismiss <em>On Rock or Sand?</em> 's moral and religious critique of present politics look rather desperate. </p>
<p>He added: "It is encouraging to see increasing engagement with economic issues within the churches. Also worth reading, for example, is the World Council of Churches' latest document on an alternative 'economy of life' -- one focused on sustaining and meeting the needs of communities faced with unprecedented global financial and economic crises, the threat of climate change and widespread ecological devastation."</p>
<p><em>On Rock or Sand? Firm foundations for Britain's future</em> is to be launched officially at an invitation-only event on Tuesday 20 January 2015. </p>
<p>Andrew Sentance, Julia Unwin and Ruth Fox will speak at the event about their own contributions in the book on economy, poverty and democracy respectively. </p>
<p>Sir Philip Mawer (Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards from 2002 until 2008 and former secretary general of the Church of England's General Synod) will chair a panel for the Question and Answer session to follow. Both Archbishops and all contributors will be present.</p>
<p>* Archbishop Sentamu's video introduction to the book (YouTube): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owif6Cp0O-M" title="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owif6Cp0O-M">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owif6Cp0O-M</a></p>
<p>* <em>On Rock or Sand? Firm foundations for Britain's future</em>, edited by John Sentamu (SPCK, January 2015) ISBN 978 0281 07174 6. Price: £9.99</p>
<p>* Economy of Life: An invitation to theological reflection and action (WCC): <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21116" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21116">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/21116</a></p>
<p>* More about economic alternatives on Ekklesia: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/eyeoftheneedle" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/eyeoftheneedle">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/eyeoftheneedle</a></p>
<p>* More on the 2015 General Election from Ekklesia: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/generalelection2015</a></p>
<p>[Ekk/3]</p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Economy and PoliticsPeople and PowerReligion and SocietyNews Briefarchbishop of canterburyarchbishop of yorkDr John Sentamufaith in the citygeneral electiongeneral election 2015inequalityjohn sentamujustin welbyUK NewsFri, 16 Jan 2015 04:21:22 +0000staff writers21305 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukSentamu recognises domestic poverty as a major concernhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/19794
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<p>Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has identified facing down poverty as a key priority for the church in the coming year.</p>
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<p>Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has identified facing down poverty as a key priority for the church in the coming year.</p>
<p>The issue of hardship was a major theme of an article for his local paper, published on Christmas Eve. </p>
<p>Other messages from the second most senior cleric in the Church of England have highlighted the role of the church in bringing change, youth unemployment, dignity for young people and reconciliation as other big concerns for people of goodwill.</p>
<p>"There is not a single week that has passed without mentions of foodbanks, debt, poor housing, unemployment, loneliness, health worries or appeals for volunteers. These are tough times and it could get tougher," the archbishop declared in a Christmas article for the York Press newspaper. </p>
<p>He continued: "There are many people living below the poverty line in the UK. But we have found that for the first time, there are more of those in poverty in work (6.7 million) than there are retired or without work. </p>
<p>"The report published earlier this month by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) revealed that almost 13 million people are living in poverty in the UK. </p>
<p>"As chair of the Living Wage Commission, I am all too aware of the scale and depth of hardship across the country," said Dr Sentamu. </p>
<p>"Life’s persistent and urgent question for all of us should be: “What are we doing for others so that together our future can be different? How can I be the change I want to see?” This takes courage. It takes a yearning to make a difference. And it requires real love to bring lasting transformation," the archbishop averred. </p>
<p>Drawing on a seasonal message, Dr Sentamu concluded: "Be encouraged to know that nothing is beyond God’s power to make a difference, which means that there is always hope for life in the present and for the future ahead of us. And what’s better is that God never ever tires of forgiving us. It is by God’s grace that we know that there’s always room for the future to be different …. May the light of Christ lead us this Christmas and on into 2014."</p>
<p>* Archbishop of York: <a href="http://www.archbishopofyork.org" title="http://www.archbishopofyork.org">http://www.archbishopofyork.org</a></p>
<p>* Christmas on Ekklesia: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/</a></p>
<p>[Ekk/3]</p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Economy and PoliticsReligion and SocietyNews Briefarchbishop of yorkchurch of englandDr John Sentamufood banksfoodbanksjohn sentamupovertyUK NewsThu, 26 Dec 2013 01:41:12 +0000staff writers19794 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukHague rules out second Syria vote, Sentamu says military action 'unwise' http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/18974
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<p>The UK government's foreign secretary, William Hague, has ruled out a re-run of the House of Commons vote on military action in Syria.</p>
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<p>The UK government's foreign secretary, William Hague, has ruled out a re-run of the House of Commons vote on military action in Syria.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, told the BBC television 'Andrew Marr Show' that he did not think it was "wise" to take military action in Syria, saying it was "important to wait for the weapons inspectors' report". </p>
<p>Hawks such as Chancellor George Osborne, former Conservative foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind and ex-paratrooper Lord Paddy Ashdown, a past Liberal Democrat leader, had been seeing President Obama's decision to go to Congress as an opportunity to seek a change of mind in the Westminster Parliament.</p>
<p>But Mr Hague, speaking to BBC Radio 4's World This Weekend programme on Sunday 1 September 2013, said: "I don't think on any issue the government can go back to parliament every few days, or every week with the same proposition, and our proposition already included waiting for the UN weapon inspectors to report, to discuss things at the Security Council, that was already built into our proposal.</p>
<p>"So on this particular issue that we voted for on Thursday... can we go back in the coming days and have that vote again, well no. We can't do that. Parliament has spoken," he added.</p>
<p>Archbishop Sentamu, who has paraded his respect for the military in the past, being photographed in the media driving a tank, was nevertheless circumspect about military action against Syria in his BBC interview.</p>
<p>"Wherever there is war it's a sign of sin... it always creates evil, but sometimes not to go to war creates a greater evil," he suggested. </p>
<p>Other churches and Christian peace groups have been more forthright in their opposition to the drift to further war in the Middle East and North Africa. </p>
<p>* More on Syria from Ekklesia: <a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/syria" title="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/syria">http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/syria</a></p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Economy and PoliticsPeace and WarNews BriefDr John SentamuSyriasyrianUK Newswilliam hagueSun, 01 Sep 2013 23:00:44 +0000staff writers18974 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukStop stigmatising the poor and homeless, churches tell politicians and mediahttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/17834
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<p>Churches across Britain are marking a national week of action by speaking out against the social exclusion of people who are poor or homeless.</p>
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<p>Churches and Christian groups across Britain are marking a national week of action by speaking out against the stigmatisation and exclusion of people who are poor or homeless.</p>
<p>The annual Poverty and Homelessness Action Week (26 January – 3 February 2013) is exploring the theme ‘Can you cast the first stone? It will offer a Christian challenge to the growing demonisation of vulnerable people by politicians and the media.</p>
<p>The Week will also celebrate the resilience of people who cope with poverty and homelessness, and the work done by Christian organisations who empower those people, organisers say.</p>
<p>As well as hundreds of local church services and other events, the Week will feature the launch of some major national initiatives. Church Action on Poverty is to publish <em>The blame game must stop</em>, a report into the stigmatisation of people on low incomes, with hard-hitting case studies showing the impact on people’s lives. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, the charity Housing Justice is to launch an online resource called ‘My Story’, enabling people with personal experience of homelessness to share their testimonies. </p>
<p>Scottish Churches Housing Action is also celebrating the launch of Whitebeam Homes, a new project offering affordable housing across Scotland.</p>
<p>Niall Cooper, National Coordinator of Church Action on Poverty, commented: “It is appalling that the UK’s economic crisis and rising levels of poverty and homelessness are being blamed on those who are actually feeling their worst effects. </p>
<p>"Politicians and the media use abusive language and images, and fuel mistrust by contrasting supposed ‘strivers’ with ‘skivers’. They use this blame game to justify cuts to our safety net, which will drive hundreds of thousands of people further into poverty. </p>
<p>"In Poverty and Homelessness Action Week, we are saying that a blame culture is not the way to make things better. We won’t tackle poverty and homelessness by blaming those who suffer most from them. We need to stop the blame game now.”</p>
<p>The Action Week is supported by many national Christian denominations and agencies. </p>
<p>The Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: “We are living in tough times where six out of 10 families in poverty have at least one adult in work. We need to do more to help those in need and ensure people are being paid a Living Wage. People without homes, who are sleeping rough on our streets, are amongst the most vulnerable people in our world.</p>
<p>"As a Church we are called to care for and support the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in society. Homelessness is a problem which forces us to reconsider the values on which we are building our society. Homelessness can affect absolutely anyone. During Poverty and Homelessness Action Week I hope people will think about how they can bring practical help to those suffering in their communities.”</p>
<p>Free resources available to help churches and individuals get involved in Action Week include: an outline for a church service; a DVD of video stories; an online prayer calendar; and an e-action which will enable you to write to your local newspaper about the ‘blame game’. </p>
<p>* For more information and to take part, go to: <a href="http://www.actionweek.org.uk" title="www.actionweek.org.uk">www.actionweek.org.uk</a></p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Community and FamilyEconomy and PoliticsNews Briefchurch action on povertyDr John SentamuhomelessnesshousingHousing Justicejohn sentamupovertyPoverty and Homelessness Action Weekscottish churches housing actionUK NewsMon, 21 Jan 2013 13:13:01 +0000staff writers17834 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukSentamu stresses relationships and action on poverty at Christmashttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/17697
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<p>Feeding the hungry and housing the homeless are the appropriate responses to the vulnerable birth of Jesus, says the Anglican Archbishop of York.</p>
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<p>Feeding the hungry and housing the homeless are the appropriate responses to the vulnerable birth of Jesus, says the Anglican Archbishop of York.</p>
<p>In his Christmas Day sermon, Dr John Sentamu, the second most senior cleric in the Church of England, invoked P.D. James's famous dystopian novel <em>The Children of Men</em> to craft a message of hope and human transformation.</p>
<p>He declared: "The novel ends with hope: brutality is turned into compassion, betrayal into loyalty, enmity into friendship, despair into hope, self-absorption into inter-dependence, death into life. How? Not by Western science discovering the solution, nor by the plans and schemes of those in power.</p>
<p>Rather, "it's the vulnerable who rise up and neutralise the jealousy, treachery, violence, murder, evil and the intoxication of power."</p>
<p>Dr Sentamu said that Jesus Christ's birth meant that "religious beliefs were translated out of words into humanity, life and spirit, out of the intellect into the simple impulses of the soul".</p>
<p>He continued: "Yes. [Christ's] rule is characterised by everlasting justice and righteousness, instead of the ruthless greed and exploitation which prevailed when he was born and is prevailing now in our global village."</p>
<p>The Archbishop added: "In God's eyes, the quality of our relationships is more important than the rightness of our convictions.</p>
<p>Commenting on recent rows over women bishops and human sexuality, among others, he said: "Sadly, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are often bad at learning how to disagree, but we do need to remain in harmony. We must 'make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace', as St Paul says in Ephesians 4.3."</p>
<p>"If we cannot experience and demonstrate the reality of this in Christ, what have we to offer to the rest of society, with its fractured relationships?", he concluded.</p>
<p>[Ekk/3]</p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Community and FamilyPeople and PowerReligion and SocietyNews Briefarchbishop of yorkchristmasDr John Sentamusentamu. john sentamuUK NewsThu, 27 Dec 2012 13:44:37 +0000staff writers17697 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukRhetoric on poverty which does not add up to actionhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/16548
<p><a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/16548" target="_blank">read more</a></p>Community and FamilyEconomy and PoliticsNews Briefarchbishop of yorkchurch action on povertyChurch Urban FundDr John Sentamujohn sentamupoverty truth commissionBlogWed, 18 Apr 2012 10:24:58 +0000Simon Barrow16548 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukCuts threaten social investment, says Archbishop Sentamuhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/16547
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<p>The promise of a 'big society' is being undermined by cuts that threaten social investment to address poverty and equality, says the Archbishop of York.</p>
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<p>The promise of a genuine 'big society' is being undermined by cuts that threaten the kind of community development needed to address inequality, Anglican Archbishop Dr John Sentamu has said today.</p>
<p>He was speaking at a large 'Tackling Poverty Together' conference in Leeds, organised by the Church Urban Fund.</p>
<p>In a passionate address, Dr Sentamu said that he had seen the impact of the cuts on vital services for, and initiatives from, young people in the north of England.</p>
<p>The government has an important role in investment and services, alongside projects and action in civil society and from the church he said.</p>
<p>The Archbishop said that he paid his taxes, and others paid their taxes, because they want the government to eradicate poverty and promote social justice.</p>
<p>It is access to services, equal opportunities and social justice which creates the common good in a meaningful way, he said. Every person matters, and none are expendable.</p>
<p>The church, when it is acting prophetically in the public square, is not a 'special interest', but a body seeking the good of all by seeking to stand alongside those in most need.</p>
<p>Poverty has persisted and income inequality has grown substantially despite improvements since the Beveridge era, Dr Sentamu declared.</p>
<p>In the words of Archbishop Williams Temple, one of the forerunners of the welfare state, poverty ought to be "visible, audible and smellable" to us - not something forgotten or left to someone else.</p>
<p>He recounted the biblical concern to tackle poverty and make wealth accountable, both in the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament.</p>
<p>Social insurance and the NHS came about on the basis of a radical and popular vision in the midst of post-war economic crisis, said Dr Sentamu. Something similar is needed today, in the spirit of the Christian ethic and wider community spirit.</p>
<p>The aim, he said, is a more equitable and just world. The churches are among those who have to persuade people and government that this should be the priority.</p>
<p>The 'Tackling Poverty Together' conference is bringing together activists and pioneers from church and community groups to look at how to deepen and broaden grassroots-shaped anti-poverty action and social investment.</p>
<p>The Archbishop of York is also heading up a 'Fairness Commission' consultation in his own area, assisting the local authority in key decisions. This has opposed cuts in children's service and services assisting the elderly and vulnerable. </p>
<p>'Together Each Achieves More' is the true meaning of 'Team', he added. It is teamwork that is needed to tackle poverty. </p>
<p>The Church Urban Fund was established in the wake of the 1985 'Faith in the City' report, which was denounced by PM Margaret Thatcher and her ministers at the time. </p>
<p>[Ekk/3]</p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Economy and PoliticsPeople and PowerReligion and SocietyNews Briefarchbishop of yorkChurch Urban FundcutsDr John Sentamufairness commissiongovernment cutsjohn sentamupovertyUK NewsWed, 18 Apr 2012 10:06:20 +0000staff writers16547 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukArchbishop raises concerns over BBC World Service cutshttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/14167
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<p>The Archbishop of York, has raised concerns about the effect of cuts to the BBC World Service in a question to Government Ministers in the House of Lords.</p>
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<p>The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, raised concerns yesterday (16 February) about the effect of cuts to the BBC World Service in a question to Government Ministers in the House of Lords.</p>
<p>The Archbishop, who is a long term supporter and advocate of the importance of the BBC World Service, tabled a question for written answer in the House of Lords after meeting with representatives from the National Union of Journalists this week to receive their analysis of the proposed cuts.</p>
<p>The World Service is internationally popular with an audience of millions across radio, television and online platforms. The proposed cuts to the World Service include losing a quarter of all staff, closure of five foreign language services, and a 16 per cent reduction in the government grant over the next five years.</p>
<p>It is estimated that as a result there will be a 30 million drop in the World Service's weekly audience from 180 million people to 150 million people worldwide. </p>
<p>The Archbishop said: "The BBC World Service output is much loved and respected across the globe. Not only is it the gold standard for international affairs coverage, it has a unique ability to reach into a variety of situations overseas - often where democratic values and basic human rights are not being upheld. </p>
<p>"Just look at the way the World Service has been covering the protests in Egypt, or the way it reports natural disasters or war. There is no-one else providing the same level of insight for a global audience.</p>
<p>"We should not underestimate the role that the World Service plays for those living overseas. I remember BBC journalist Alan Johnston telling me the hope that listening to the World Service gave him when he was being held captive in Gaza. He could hear that people at home were thinking of him and praying for his release. The day his abductors gave him a radio he heard me say on the World Service "Do not be afraid. Be strong."</p>
<p>"My concern is that these cuts will not only mean redundancies for those living at home, but a significant reduction in service for those living overseas. We have a responsibility to reach out to others and ensure that the message of hope the BBC World Service can bring rings out as widely as possible.</p>
<p>"I am raising these concerns with Government ministers today to see what can be done to address these cuts. In my opinion, the Government is doing good work in relation to prioritising International Aid to countries that need it, but I would like to see this coupled with getting a message of hope, fairness, democracy and justice out to these same areas.</p>
<p>"With the closure of language services in Azeri, Mandarin for China, Russian, Spanish for Cuba, Turkish, Vietnamese and Ukrainian, I wonder if we can really call it the 'world service' anymore!"</p>
<p>The Archbishop's question for written answer in the House of Lords is as follows:</p>
<p>"To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment it has made regarding the effect of proposed cuts to the BBC World Service, and whether it will put in appropriate funding to ensure a high level of coverage is maintained across the globe."</p>
<p>[Ekk/4]</p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Economy and PoliticsEducation and CultureNews Briefarchbishop of yorkbbc world serviceDr John Sentamugovernment cutsUK NewsThu, 17 Feb 2011 09:56:20 +0000agency reporter14167 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukSchoolgirl produces recipes for global anti-poverty actionhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/12655
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<p>The Anglican Archbishop of York is backing a schoolgirl from Scalby, near Scarborough, who has compiled a cookery book to raise money for Christian Aid.</p>
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<p>The Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, is backing a schoolgirl from Scalby, near Scarborough, who has compiled a cookery book to raise money for Christian Aid by supplying a recipe for one of his favourite dishes.</p>
<p>‘Truly Scrumptious’ contains 58 recipes collected by 14-year-old Imogen Allen and also includes a recipe for Solstice Cup, a hot mulled fruit drink, supplied by best selling children’s author G.P. Taylor.</p>
<p>Imogen, a member of St Laurence's Church in Scalby, said: "I wanted to raise money for Christian Aid to help expose the scandal of poverty and minimise the marginalisation of the poor, and so I came up with the idea of the recipe book. It's got recipes for starters, main courses, desserts and drinks, and people and cafes from all over have been really generous giving me their recipes."</p>
<p>Dr John Sentamu responded: "Imogen and the congregation of St Laurence's Church, Scalby, are doing great work fundraising for Christian Aid. I loved the idea of Imogen's recipe book, and so I sent her my recipe for Baked Apples - it's one of my favourite dishes. I hope people in Scarborough support her efforts by buying a copy."</p>
<p>When BBC Radio York heard about Imogen's efforts one of their reporters joined her at home in Scalby to interview her and cook lunch together using one the recipes from the book.</p>
<p>Information about the cookbook has spread well beyond Scarborough. It is available from churches in Scarborough, Fylingthorpe, York and Hull as well as from Boyes Store in Scarborough, the Yew Tree Cafe in Scalby, Cloughton Station Tea Room, Fairer World, the fair-trade shop on Gillygate in York and Aroma Coffee Shop in Haxby, York.</p>
<p>The sales of the cookbook have already exceeded £600 and Imogen has proved to be a great ambassador for Christian Aid's work with poor communities around the world.</p>
<p>To obtain a copy of Truly Scrumptious, which costs £3, call 0113 2444764 or email <a href="&#109;&#97;&#105;&#108;&#116;&#111;&#58;&#121;&#111;&#114;&#107;&#115;&#104;&#105;&#114;&#101;&#64;&#99;&#104;&#114;&#105;&#115;&#116;&#105;&#97;&#110;&#45;&#97;&#105;&#100;&#46;&#111;&#114;&#103;">&#121;&#111;&#114;&#107;&#115;&#104;&#105;&#114;&#101;&#64;&#99;&#104;&#114;&#105;&#115;&#116;&#105;&#97;&#110;-aid.org</a> </p>
<p>[Ekk/3]</p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Globalisation and DevelopmentPeople and PowerNews Briefarchbishop of yorkchristian aidDr John Sentamuglobal povertyUK NewsSun, 18 Jul 2010 00:09:49 +0000agency reporter12655 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukSentamu shoots the messengerhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/12601
<p><a href="http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/12601" target="_blank">read more</a></p>Religion and Societyarchbishop of canterburyarchbishop of yorkDr John SentamuDr Rowan Williamsgeneral synodBlogSat, 10 Jul 2010 22:44:23 +0000Simon Barrow12601 at http://www.ekklesia.co.ukSentamu criticises treatment of asylum seekers and Ugandan anti-gay billhttp://www.ekklesia.co.uk/node/10909
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<p>Anglican Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu has strongly criticised the inhuman UK policy on asylum seekers and has also spoken against the anti-homosexuality bill currently going through the Ugandan parliament.</p>
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<p>The Anglican Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, has criticised both inhuman UK policy on asylum seekers and the anti-homosexuality bill currently going through the Ugandan parliament. </p>
<p>In an article in today’s Times newspaper, Dr Sentamu accuses the British Government of exploiting the weak by making it more difficult for asylum seekers to make legitimate claims to stay in the country.</p>
<p>He also warns that cuts in financial support will leave many people who have fled from mistreatment destitute this Christmas and he condemns the reduction in benefits to £5 a day for single asylum seekers. </p>
<p>The archbishop said that this “meagre” sum was the same amount he received when he arrived in Britain in 1974 after fleeing from Idi Amin’s Uganda.</p>
<p>In a busy media day, Dr Sentamu also appeared on the flagship BBC Radio 4 Today programme this morning to make clear his concern about the private members bill currently going through the Ugandan parliament, which would further criminalise homosexuality and bring in the death penalty for gay people with HIV.</p>
<p>The archbishop, a former judge in Uganda, agreed that the bill “demonised” homosexual persons and said that instead, Anglicans should instead be listening to gay people, affirming their full humanity, and making it clear that they were loved by God.</p>
<p>He said it was important to understand the current legal move in the context of an existing legal code which went back to punitive legislation dating from the colonial era of the last century, and which predated the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Britain in 1967 – a move backed by the then Archbishop of Canterbury.</p>
<p>These existing provisions were "bad enough already" he said, making his general opposition to capital punishment clear. </p>
<p>Dr Sentamu said that he and Dr Rowan Williams had been careful in their comments up to now because they were working behind the scenes and because they did not want to be seen as lecturing others. </p>
<p>The archbishop said that the Anglican Church in Uganda was still considering its further response.</p>
<p>Human rights and church campaigners have urged church leaders to speak out against the bill, with many thousands signing petitions and joining a Facebook lobby group. </p>
<p>The latest condemnations have come from the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) and the Anglican Church in Wales, joining the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church, the World Council of Churches, the European Union and many others - including groups in the global South.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, a statement of support for the execution of gay people coming from the extremist UK Christian, Stephen Green of the tiny lobby group Christian Voice, has been widely condemned. </p>
<p>Turning to asylum seekers, Dr Sentamu said that the new regulations effecting their support were harsh and restrictive. “It won’t be possible to carry money over from one week to the next, or even buy clothes in charity shops… It will make it even more difficult for people already struggling to find enough to pay for food and other essentials. There must be a better way.”</p>
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<!-- google_ad_section_end -->Crime and JusticeRace and IdentityReligion and SocietySex and GenderNews BriefAnti-Homosexuality Billasylum seekersDr John SentamuUgandaUK NewsThu, 24 Dec 2009 09:38:49 +0000staff writers10909 at http://www.ekklesia.co.uk